For a long time, basketball shoes were made with bulky and high-top designs to guarantee maximum balance and support during the game. But with time, the world of basketball has changed a lot. Recently, basketball games have needed more speed than before. That’s why shoes for playing a basketball session tend to be lighter and more flexible than ever before. So, you’ll need the best low-top basketball shoes to run faster and pass the low cuts with ease.
Today I’m here not only to suggest you choose low-top shoes to improve your performance but also to let you know all the related information about that. For instance, here you’ll come to know the differences between low-top and high-top shoes, the reasons behind my suggestion in favor of low-top shoes, the trendy low-cut basketball shoes available right now, things to consider, and the answers to related questions that may come into your mind during purchasing.
So, without further delay, let's start with in-depth reviews of the shoes, which have ranked among the top 8 this year in terms of popularity.
LIST OF THE BEST LOW TOP BASKETBALL SHOES
No. | Product Name | IMAGE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | NIKE AIR FORCE 1 '07 AN20 |  | |
2 | NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 LOW OG CZ0790 |  | |
3 | COLL3CTIV3 2020 |  | |
4 | NIKE CK2669-001 |  | |
5 | NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 SNEAKER |  |
10 BEST LOW TOP BASKETBALL SHOES REVIEWS
1. NIKE AIR FORCE 1 '07 AN20 - BEST NIKE LOW TOP BASKETBALL SHOES
Features
A lengthy search in the world of best low-cut shoes stopped after finding these Nike low-top basketball shoes. The brand has redesigned its iconic AF-1 models with an upgraded look, new technologies, and excellent qualities to content the basketball players.
The premium quality leather has made the uppers of these men’s shoes highly durable. They are soft on the feet and stylish with their quilted stitching. Moreover, the mesh on the uppers helps the feet to breathe and keep them cool, comfortable, and blister-free during lengthy gaming sessions.
The Nike Air cushioning absorbs shock and returns to the original shape of the shoes soon after strikes. It enhances the performance of the player by rendering lightweight riding. The plush liners upgrade the degree of softness.
The lace closures of these Nike low basketball shoes render essential support and secure fittings. The rubber outsoles reinforce reliable traction to ensure the safe movements of the players during the game.
These low-cut shoes are lighter than other mid and high-cut shoes. They help the players run faster with a wide range of motions.
The top-graded leather material, detailed stitching, and attractive colors have made these boots one of the best low-top shoes among many.
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2. NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 LOW OG CZ0790 - BEST WHITE LOW TOP BASKETBALL SHOES
Features
Who doesn’t want a signature shoe at a fairly reasonable price? So, I’ve already added one and will add some reliable and affordable low-top basketball shoe models from top brands.
But if you want all-white low-top basketball shoes to complement your uniform and excel on the ground, look no further than Air Jordan 1 Low OG CZ0790 by Nike.
Generally, low-cut models tend to be minimalist and lightweight. There is no exception for this model. The synthetic leather material construction with rubber outsole is pretty lightweight and will last for a long time if taken care of the leather material properly.
The shoe is true to size and desirable to many low-cut players for its perfect fittings, soft-to-touch feeling interior, extended breathability, great support, and traction on the different basketball courts.
Since your ankle will remain exposed due to the low-cut design, you’ll feel extremely flexible while running. So, you’ll cover relatively more distance with the same amount of energy.
Thus, it helps you run relatively faster in range of motion and provides better control to let you pass the cut easily. With a well-padded footbed and thick sole, the shoe restores good foot movement that's why you won’t feel any fatigue after the match.
Another benefit is here for the wide footer. The shoe is available in a wide range of true sizes, including special sizes for wide feet people.
Now you may know why I picked this shoe at no 2. If you want something colorful; keep exploring the rest of the recommendations.
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3. COLL3CTIV3 2020 - LOW-CUT ADIDAS BASKETBALL SHOES
Features
Basketball is a game of speed and movement. It needs the players to move continuously on the court. Hence, good low-top basketball shoes absorb shock and allow feet to breathe during a lengthy gaming session. These Addidas shoes are perfect in this regard.
These shoes come with 100% synthetic material and are abrasion resistant and durable. If you are looking for lightweight shoes that do not weigh you down and help your feet to breathe easily, these shoes are your destiny.
The padding in the heels acts as a cushion during each stride. They distribute the body weight of the players evenly and absorb impacts efficiently. Therefore, the heel pads protect the bones and arches of the feet from impact injuries.
Furthermore, the lace-up closure allows players to tighten or loosen the laces to achieve their required fittings and sizes. These closures render essential support and stability to the feet. The different lacing-up style of the shoes, according to the players’ necessities, secure their feet from pain due to long hours of engagement on the basketball courts.
The rubber soles of these low-cut basketball shoes render proper balance during their quick movements. These outsoles grip the game court so perfectly that players do not slip and slide but can pivot freely.
With comfortability and great lockdown property, these shoes are a must-have for every basketball player.
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4. NIKE CK2669-001 - BEST MEN'S LOW-TOP BASKETBALL SHOES
Features
These Nike boots are one of the best low-cut basketball shoes. Period! The flat heels and grippy soles take an active role in making them the best among a range of options. The outsoles come equipped with proper grips, which are equally proficient in indoor and outdoor basketball sessions.
The flat heels of these shoes ensure the stable transitions of the players by restricting accidental falls or twisting of their ankles. These outsoles provide maximum balance while playing. Moreover, these shoes render good traction on the game court surfaces.
The synthetic and mesh uppers are soft and light on the feet. They are supportive and reinforce snug yet secure fittings and an airy environment for the feet. The feet remain sweatless and dry within the shoes. The flowing lines ensure the speed of the players.
The midsoles have two types of foam cushioning; that deliver sufficient stability, responsiveness, and comfortability. The lace-up closures secure the users' feet and ensure slip-less motions.
To summarize, the best adjectives to describe these Nike low tops basketball shoes are comfortable and supportive.
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5. AIR JORDAN 1 SNEAKER
Features
Enough of the white basketball low tops; now it’s the time to add some charming hues. That’s why, after Air Jordan 1 Low OG CZ0790, I’ve added another model of this series again.
With a colorful, unisex design, it combines style and comfort into a lightweight package; that weighs hardly 2 pounds. It offers a range of color options. So, you can choose any of them according to your team jersey.
Not only aesthetic but the shoe range of Air Jordan 1 by Nike is also a banger on the court. So, the hunt can’t stop without considering this mid-cut sneaker of the Air Jordan 1 series.
The well-padded interior and tongue collar feel soo soft and comfortable, while the proffered upper is breathable enough to keep your feet sweat-free.
Unlike other mid-cut shoes, it provides enhanced ankle support and still allows mobility. That’s why I’ve recommended this mid-cut sneaker to low-cut basketball players. With maximum ankle mobility, the shoes will help them cut sharply and run at high speeds.
The solid rubber outsole provides great traction on a variety of surfaces, so the slippage problem is nil for this shoe. The bouncy cushioning not only helps jump higher but also protects your feet and knee from hard landings. So, if you play on hardwood courts, no doubt, Air Jordan 1 Sneaker would be a great option for you.
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6. AIR JORDAN 4 RETRO
Features
With an identical traction pattern, the Air Jordan series shoes Nike earn a huge appreciation from low-cut basketball players. These low-cut shoes are not an exception.
It performs pretty much the same, so you can say it’s another great option for basketball players. Due to their lightweight, they offer a better range of motion to enhance gaming performance.
The nubuck uppers of the shoes are long-lasting and soft. They prevent sweat from accumulating inside the shoes to restrict fungal or bacterial infections. The mesh panels upgrade the degree of breathability to keep feet fresh.
Furthermore, these basketball low-top shoes come with suede linings that provide a high-quality feel to the users’ feet. They cooperate with the uppers to maintain the air ventilation performance of the shoes.
The PU midsoles render support during movements. They secure superior foot protection from impacts and minimize foot fatigue by absorbing shock. Moreover, due to their exceptional bending property, they improve the stability of the players. The pads in the ankle and these midsoles ensure cushioning comfort and supportive motions to the players during a lengthy gaming session.
The synthetic rubber soles provide excellent grips to prevent accidental injuries. By providing support, stability, and smooth transitions, these shoes have secured their remarkable place in the list of best low-top basketball shoes.
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7. ADIDAS PRO MODEL 2G (UNISEX)
Features
Inexpensiveness does not always indicate low-graded quality and poor performance. The perfect combination of affordable price, good quality, and efficient performance has won the market shoes. These Addidas shoes are genuine evidence of that fact.
The synthetic uppers are scratch resistant and company the players for a long time without further damage. They provide a lightweight ride and a higher level of breathability. The rubber shell toe makes the shoes durable and stylish. While these flexible uppers keep your feet locked in the shoe, the lace closure renders the snug and secure fittings.
The bouncy midsoles of these shoes increase the energy return and provide lateral and linear support during every run. They are responsive and supportive.
The textile linings make the shoes comfortable. They draw out moisturizers and promote air circulation surrounding the feet. Moreover, these linings maintain the shape of the shoes even after extensive usage.
The rubber outsoles reinforce superb grips on various surfaces. They prevent slips and falls and protect feet from unwanted injuries during tournaments.
To conclude, the effective performance on a pocket-friendly budget describes these low-top basketball sneakers.
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8. PUMA LEGACY SNEAKERS
Features
Although these Puma shoes come at the bottom of my recommendation list, they are in no way inferior to the rest in terms of their quality and performance.
Puma has won the trust in producing innovative gear for athletic and sports activities for over 64 years. These low-top basketball shoes have maintained the reputation of this company without being exceptional.
These sneakers come with the HYBRID foam technology that combines NRGY beads and IGNITE FOAM technologies to render responsiveness, energy return, and cushioned comfort during fast and long runs.
These low-cut shoes come with uppers made with mesh material and have breathable holes to ventilate fresh air. This fabric helps to move the moisture away to minimize chaffing and sweating and maximize comfort.
The EVA midsoles help the users to face all challenges in the court by providing stability against the feet. They are lightweight, soft, flexible, and superior shock absorbers. They relieve stress on the feet while playing.
The sticky rubber outsoles are durable and abrasion resistant. They are efficient to grasp the court surfaces with their excellent grips.
These cheap low-top basketball shoes come on a low budget. They are easy to wear and remove with the heel pull tabs.
These sneakers come with excellent fitted lace closures. They are a reliable companion for all the basketball players who deal with fast movements and sudden changes of directions during a gaming session.
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LOW-TOP VS HIGH TOP SHOES
Without a doubt, the shoes mentioned above are the best in all aspects of low-top basketball shoes. I’ve talked about this matter in detail below. But if you’re still in a dilemma about whether to choose low-top or high-top shoes, this section and the next section are for you.
Before you know my views on low-top shoes over high-top shoes, take a quick look at the characteristics of low-top and high-top shoes to decide which is better for you to play with.
High-Top Shoes
The high-cut style comes equipped with an extended foam padded ankle collar to provide extra ankle support and protect the ankle bone and joint area from getting twisted. The heavy players most of the time prefer high-top shoes due to their durable construction, extended support, and bouncy cushioning. The bouncy footbed absorbs shocks of each stride and distributes its heavyweight equally on the entire foot.
Low-Top Shoes
Low-top shoes have minimalist, low-profile designs that rarely cross the height of the ankle bone and still offer the right amount of protection for the ankle and entire foot. Nowadays, the top brands have introduced some low-cut style basketball shoes with an improved design that includes a wider base and lateral outriggers. These two things provide maximum stability and support during quick lateral movements.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE LOW-CUT BASKETBALL SHOES?
The low-cut style is designed to provide maximum traction in courtrooms, better ground grip during lateral motions, and better speed. People mainly prefer low-top shoes for their sleek designs and lightweight.
The lightweight shoes don't hold you back when you run or jump, so it will take longer to make you tired. Moreover, a study has proved that low-top shoes allow for 4.5 degrees more ankle inversion than high-tops. So, they are more beneficial for those players who employ a lot of sudden changes in movement.
If you play at the guard position or need relatively more stability for quick moves, undoubtedly go for low-tops. Look for durable material construction for better lateral stability, and keep scrolling to the next section to get more buying tips like this one.
BUYER’S GUIDE - LOW TOP BASKETBALL SHOES
Some things you should consider while buying low-top basketball shoes are:
Lightweight
Both lightweight and slightly heavier low-tops are currently available on the market. It’s up to you which one will help you on the basketball court. If you ask for my suggestion, let me tell you that the lightweight basketball low tops are always preferable, as they help increase speed and the ability to jump vertically.
Midsole
Most low-cut shoes have thin cushioning in the midsole, unlike high-top shoes, which may be holding you back. But don’t worry. Some new models have stepped into the market with bouncy cushioning to let you jump higher and reduce the chances of getting foot fatigue.
Outsole and Traction
Choosing the wrong type of traction for the court you play on may cause accidental slips, injuries, and poor longevity while playing basketball. The types of grips on basketball shoes vary according to the nature of the game court. The stiff rubber outsoles are best if playing outdoors, but for playing on indoor courts, the rubber soles must be supple enough.
The traction pattern on the outsole also matters for proper ground grip. So, make sure the outsole of your chosen shoes can support your fast lateral movements and provide good stability for your footwork on the court where you play.
Fit lockdown
Since the low-cut style offers relatively less support to the ankle bones, you have to buy a pair of true-to-size shoes; that fit properly to your feet. The fit should be firm enough so that your ankle can’t move freely. You can prevent ankle sprains or other possible ankle injuries by owning a true-to-fit shoe with a perfect-fit lockdown feature.
Material
The majority of low-cut style shoes are made of synthetic or textile mesh materials to weigh relatively less. But unfortunately, these materials are not durable enough to meet our expectations. However, the shoes on this list of the best low-top basketball shoes are made of high-quality materials that last longer and are breathable enough to keep your feet comfortable and sweat-free even in hot weather.
FAQ
1. Are low-tops better for basketball?
Low-tops are better for skinny, lighter basketball players, as the shoes will help them run faster and pass the low cuts easily. But if you’re heavy and having any pain in your ankle or recently got an ankle sprain, do go for low-top basketball shoes.
2. Why did Kobe wear low-top shoes?
Kobe Bryant decided to wear quick-to-wear, lightweight shoes that would help him run faster. Then, he explored low-top shoes with less restriction for ankle movement and minimal weight and discovered such shoes are genuinely helpful for running faster and making sharper cuts easily. Since then, he started inspiring others in favor of this style by wearing the low-tops for much of his career.
3. Do low-tops make you faster?
Yes. The low-cut style shoes help run faster as their height rarely crosses ankle bone height, so your feet feel relatively more flexible while running.
4. Do high tops weaken ankles?
High-top shoes are more supportive shoes, so they do not allow the muscles to adequately build strength for the future. So, the ankle becomes weaker over time and leading them towards hard-to-heel ankle sprains.
5. Do NBA players wear low-tops?
Yes. NBA players wear low-top shoes to achieve more freedom in ankle movement and run at greater speeds.
CONCLUSION
The recommended shoes have all the features you may need for playing basketball, but if you’re suffering from foot pain or any ankle injury, I would suggest avoiding low-cut style footwear. This was the last piece of advice from my side.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article useful and the recommendations end your search. If you still have any doubts or queries, feel free to ask below in the comment section. Happy Shopping!
Charles is a Registered Nutritionist with a Master degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and a Bachelor degree in Nutritional Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University. He actively contributes to all trending fitness products and aims to provide consumers with reliable information and review fitness products. Thomas Berumen has an extensive fitness background. He has been working as a personal trainer for the past eight months. He is so dedicated and passionate to lead an active and healthy lifestyle and motivates his readers to do the same.